Evaluation and Implementation of a High-Fidelity Cleft Palate Simulator

Cleft palate repair is a challenging procedure to learn because of the delicate tissue handling required and the small confines of the infant oral cavity. As a result, cleft palate simulators have previously been described to augment cleft palate repair training. Although valuable, they lack the fidelity for this complex procedure. A high-fidelity cleft palate simulator was evaluated by staff and fellows in pediatric plastic surgery who provided feedback on its realism, anatomical accuracy, and effectiveness as a training tool. The simulator was implemented within a training workshop following a didactic session on cleft palate repair and anatomy. A test was administered to each participant before and immediately after the workshop to assess knowledge transfer. Perceived confidence of performing a repair following the workshop was also assessed, as was the workshop's effectiveness. Overall, participants agreed that the simulator is anatomically accurate and realistic and strongly agreed that the simulator is a valuable training tool. The average test score increased from 25 percent before the workshop to 77.27 percent after the workshop. Overall, participants of the workshop felt more confident performing a repair and strongly agreed that the workshop was valuable and effective. A high-fidelity cleft palate simulator has been evaluated as realistic, anatomically accurate, and valuable as a training tool. The simulator was successfully integrated into a training workshop, which resulted in significant knowledge increase on anatomy and the procedure and perceived confidence and comfort in performing a cleft palate repair.